Ivan Nova (SP, PIT) - Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Ivan Nova has recorded three consecutive quality starts and has allowed just five earned runs in his last four outings. While he recorded no decisions in his last two starts, Nova is 2-0 with a 1.75 ERA in four June starts and pitched eight scoreless innings against the Diamondbacks on June 22.

Nova has been solid in June, but his performance comes after he allowed four earned runs in four of his five starts in May. Also, Nova only has 38 strikeouts in 49 1/3 innings since the beginning of May and his normally elite ground ball rate is only sitting at 46.5% over the last two months. A reason for optimism comes from the fact that his strand rate is only 66.3% and his hard hit ball rate is 33.9% over the same time period.

He will face the Dodgers in Los Angeles on July 3, which could be a rough outing, considering that the reigning NL champions have regained form. A matchup against the Phillies at the end of the week at least makes Nova a two-start option, but the Phillies are a tough matchup as well. Even with the tough outings, Nova is a deep league addition with his run of play and his track record of being a reliable pitcher.